As my study and research into interpreting solar returns continues (which is a chart to determine the influences for the coming year) especially with the writings of Morin and his contemporaries, more questions than answers come to mind. One author implied that when the natal midheaven conjuncts the solar return ascendant, this would designate change, promotion, or something beneficial involving the career or standing among the community, will befall the individual in question. This made sense as the midheaven appears to move towards the ascendant instead of vice or versa which in my opinion should make this beneficial aspect be experienced without too much effort or difficulties. This I did not find to be the case in several charts I have been studying which I do not mean to imply something good did not happen, but the recognition and monetary rewards was connected with doubt, fear, anxiety, difficulties and hard work. This befuddled me, until I followed the first basic rule of Morin to always compare the natal to the solar return when coming to any conclusion of what the New Year will bring. I noticed that aligning the two charts that the solar return ascendant was square the natal, and bingo the light bulb turned on.

I began to give this situation more attention, since I noticed that in some instances it may be possible for the aspect to be a trine or a sextile, making it easier to achieve recognition for one’s effort, then with a square. Would the amount of difficulties each individual experienced in achieving the accolades of praise, color their feelings about it? Did one work harder from the very beginning, and the other was just at the right place, at the right time? All kinds of questions were whirling in my thoughts, and no answers were forthcoming. All was a mystery to me, and I was beginning to wonder if I had just opened a can of worms. As I continued to ponder, I slowly came to the realization that it depended on the sign these two points or angles were in, and the degree of the rulers and the aspects they were making with one another. The essential dignities and what houses were involved and interacting with the situation. All this needed to be considered before one could make a judgment whether either aspect is better than the other. Both brought the same honors, but the degree of difficulty and the amount of joy and satisfaction may have been different for each, or was it?

The thick and thin of it is that I believe each aspect has its own difficulties, tribulations and hardships in reaching the recognition and the rewards. One with the square had worked hard and that it needed to justify the decision made. Where as the other may have been in the right place at the right time, but needed to prove the honor given was well deserved and not misplaced. With the natal midheaven approaching the solar return ascendant, it gives us the indications that the time of fulfillment has come. As Morin always emphasized, the chart only indicates, and as individuals, we make the final decision. Remember this important point that the Universe may present us with the opportunities, but we must have the ambition, the wisdom and the knowledge to work with it to achieve our desires. In conclusion I have come to the realization the square is the better aspect to have and to deal with, if I had the choice. Because, after all the hard work, what we learnt and what we achieved through experiencing these difficulties can never be taken away from us. That the deterrents and hardships in the long run will enrich our lives, and the honors we receive will be most appreciated because of the obstacles being placed in our path have been overcome. This square aspect teaches us to appreciate and to have gratitude for all the good that comes to us, no matter what we achieve.

Delineating a chart is like reading a well written mystery novel giving one many clues and keeping one’s interest involved until the very end to see if one has discovered the culprit among the characters. The joy and satisfaction does not come from just the end of the story, but with the journey itself and the many discoveries along the way. This I found very true when it comes to delineating a solar return chart, especially one where the Sun is located in the second House of the return. I have always associated the Sun to Mercury in that it is neither benefic nor malefic until its associations and aspects with the other planets are defined. The Sun may be comfortable or exalted in a sign, but because of its association and situation it finds itself in, will not be operating at its fullest potential, or vice versa. After many years of observation with the Sun in this position, I have come to the conclusion that the chart indicates a redefining of the individual’s priorities during the indicated year concerned, not necessarily benefic or malefic. The action of the individual is one of independence from the influence of any individuals, events, circumstances and situations that makes the individual feel hemmed in.

As the financial downturn does not seem to be making any progress in getting better, a fellow co-worker related his plans for the coming year which included retirement. He felt the situation the company was experiencing would in time force him to retire, and he wished to do it on his own terms. This made me wonder if the Sun was in his solar return second house in the year in question, and not surprisingly it was. The Sun was conjunct Pluto trine Jupiter which indicated the situation was more thought out then he related to me, of beating the company to the punch. Using Morin’s method of deduction and working with the essential dignities, one realizes he had given it a thorough going over in his mind before deciding on the final outcome. Although I feel he will come out of it with flying colors, I don’t think his main concern was financial, it was more important that he was the deciding factor, of the destiny that was ahead of him. His priorities have taken a turn around, and those things which were once very important took a back seat to the new vision he had.

In delineating a Solar Return chart, one always needs to consider the natal chart at the same time. The natal indicates the assets and talents we came into this world with, and the Solar Return is how we use these talents in the New Year. Our accomplishments depend on how well we use the gifts the Universe has endow us with, and with what degree of determination we have to bring it into reality. What house the solar return second is in the natal, will determine the area the individual has financial anxieties. Normally the Sun in this house does not necessarily indicate an increase or decrease of funds. The individual may feel under paid and unappreciated during the year. The sun in the solar return second creates a need to reassess our standing among our peers and the amount of respect we feel we deserve. This is the year where it is essential for the individual to reassess what will bring happiness and satisfaction. With the Sun in the Solar Return Second, it emphasizes and reinstates our obligation to redefine our priorities if we are to fulfill our wishes and dreams in the coming year.

Living during these times is very exciting as the world is spinning so rapidly into the future, that every second of the day, something new is always being discovered and developed. The idea behind the statement, “do not judge a book by its cover” is a concept we need to deal with in a new light and in a new way. At onetime it meant to keep any preconceive ideas or prejudices of an individual or situation from being conceived in our mindset, but with all the new innovations, it includes almost anything and everything we see or come into contact with. Experiencing today’s world we know that nothing is static, that everything is in constant change, and what something seems to be reality today, maybe a distant memory tomorrow. Or what appears to be one thing, maybe something totally different, or not function as one would expect. This is extremely important when it comes to delineating the second house solar return during these trying financial times. In this fast paced world we live in, jumping to a conclusion, without further investigation is an easy step to fall into because so much information is vying for our attention. As uncertain and unreliable as the times appears to be, it is important and a necessity that we make sure we don’t create unnecessary fears and stresses by misunderstanding and misinterpreting the events indicated by the return chart.

This is definitely true when we see Jupiter or Venus in the solar return second house, as we may quickly surmise that good things are coming our way during the coming year. Or seeing Saturn or Mars, we might quickly come to the conclusion that hard and frugal times are on the horizon. As quickly as the assumptions are made, it may just be as quick to reverse our decisions, as we take a closer and more detailed look at the chart. As this world is changing so rapidly, we need to adapt and to improvise to the ever varying circumstances, because following the same old procedures does not seem to be working. We as astrologers, who are advising ourselves and others to the state of affairs that might be in store for us, need to use every tool we have at our disposal to be as accurate as possible, which will give some indication and direction. I have noticed that the essential dignities that were once the basic foundation of our studies, having been laid aside for more modern and quicker techniques. Sometimes we use them, and at other times we are in such a hurry we forget they exist. Using computer software to calculate our charts has made it easier for us to overlook some basic steps that should always be used for a thorough and precise delineation of any chart

The essential dignities are like the horse and buggy, we know they are important, but at this point in time they are like the Model T Ford automobile. They get you to where you want to be, but are very slow compared to our modern transportation and they just don’t fit into our lifestyle of today. This is a big mistake in my thinking as the essential dignities are part of the basic foundation of astrology, which is similar in concept of the wheel which has not drastically changed through the years. We must remember to use these basics and revitalize them for today. Essential dignities will be the key ingredient to give color and dimension to our delineation. We also need to begin to realize and to understand how the planets mimic and behave through the different signs as they travel throughout the zodiac. Whether the planet is a benefic or malefic, is it happy and comfortable in the sign it is in? Is the degree of the sign and the aspect it is making a hindrance or a help? Is the planet in its exaltation, triplicity, face, term, fall, detriment, et cetera? All these rules and concepts colors how well the planet will perform. I have quickly learnt my lessons with my own solar return when I misjudged Jupiter and Saturn by not paying attention to the basics which created fears and stresses which could have been avoided. The lesson at this juncture is never judge a book by its cover before reading and understanding the contents.

One thing I have realized about astrology is that it is a subject matter that one needs to continue to study and research, that never quits and keeps on going and going. What I haven’t always realized or considered, is that what ever is studied and memorized at one point needs to be reevaluated from time to time to gain a different perspective, understanding or impact, as we continue our growth on the astrological path. I have learnt through experience that the same thought and idea under consideration will offer different implications at different time periods of my life. I am not sure if it is because my thoughts have matured, or am I looking at it from a different angle or point of view? Whatever happens, it seems that these new insights come about when reviewing an old subject matter already studied. This always happens when I restudy a subject and it especially was evident when I reexamined essential dignities with a traditional astrological mindset, which instilled in me a totally different way of looking at my self and others. It isn’t that the knowledge wasn’t there all the time, it is just that I didn’t realize how to apply it or I didn’t investigate far enough into the subject matter to uncover the gem and treasure contained within, what a fantastic surprise.

My first teacher whom I have great respect for, gave the subject matter a quick going over and seems to have used it sporadically during the course of our study. With all that we were learning, the essential dignities sat in the back shelf of my memory for occasional use when I felt the need for it. In trying to establish a firm foundation into traditional methods, my research and study showed that the dignities play more of an important role in the delineation of a chart then modern astrologers give it credit for, which gives a more interesting and complex picture then I could ever imagine or makeup in my imagination. Although the dignities play an essential part in horary delineation, its work in the natal is as important and vital to the ancients in understanding the natal chart and the individual within. In considering the dignities, one must remember there are the essential elements and rules that consistently apply to the planets within the signs. The accidental dignities occurs when the quality, energy and strength of a planet is fortified by being direct, swift in motion, angular, free from combustion, in a beneficial aspect to a fortunate planet or conjunct an auspicious fixed star.

The first dignity is the ruler of the sign, which one can think of as the King or President of his country or the proprietor of the house and household, the planet is the master of his surroundings and his wishes and commands are brought into fruition. What follows is the planet that is in its exaltation which would represent an honored spiritual or political leader, whose wishes and commands are always hopefully carried out. A planet in its fall is like a person from a different culture or background that feels uncomfortable in the sign or house and is unable to receive any help or support from his surroundings, and may be compared to an uninvited guest to a private function, no happiness or satisfaction there. Next to be considered is the triplicity ruler of a day or night chart, which is like the best buddy or visiting celebrity, which is treated with much respect and who is beneficial, helpful and works with the planet in all its endeavors. Then comes the bounds or better know as terms where the signs are divided unevenly into five sections, where the planets are given a place of their own to be themselves without any obstruction or interference from others. It may be compared to a refugee for whatever reason seeking asylum in another country, or a person seeking a quiet abode to meditate and do his own thing in this fast paced world we live in. Face is the next dignity to be considered, which is likened to the trusted servant in the household, trusted and respected in its place in the family circle, but weak in the hierarchy of the group. The planet in its detriment has no validity or honor and who is not expected to contribute anything and is not listen to or respected for what it might add to the household.

With the realization of what this new information could do for me in my delineation of any type of chart, I began to see where my interpretations were faulty and on a weak foundation. It helped me to understand why some individuals did not fulfill the promise of their charts, and others appear to exceed their dreams and desires. To put these thoughts into practice, let us pretend that we have Jupiter in Capricorn on the mid heaven sextile Venus in Pisces in the eleventh house. Quickly off the top, we might assume the person will have a good job with a decent salary. Delving deeper one realizes Jupiter in Capricorn is in its fall situated on the cusp of an angle is not particularly happy with the situation and is uncomfortable doing what is expected of him, but a friend either recommended him for the job, or is the support he needs to fulfill the dreams and wishes he wants to obtain. Venus is exalted in Pisces and makes her well respected and she knows the territory and can guide and support Jupiter to excel in his desires. This is just a simple example, and it can become more complex and revealing, when one really begins to work with this system. When one becomes a friend with the essential dignities, their secrets are revealed and then we will come to realize how indispensible they are, if we wish to make an impact with our delineation.

The one thing I have learnt in the study and application of the art and science of astrology is that no matter how one has attained their information and knowledge, whether by self study, real classroom discussions, or by the internet, one needs to work with what one has learnt to recognize how much of the information we have absorbed and comprehended. Memorizing formulas and aphorisms may give us the basis and foundation of the subject matter, but understanding the groundwork of where it came from, to the point where it is today, allows us to go forward and discover new realms of understanding and exploration we never saw before. My first teacher and my first home study course, both agreed that the first thing one does in delineating a chart is to look at the ascendant to describe the individual, and to see how the first house colors and expresses the energies of the Sun and the Moon. The Sun allows us to see the essence, and the Moon the emotional and caring qualities, and the ascendant allows us to see what the person cares for, or wants us to know.

Most of the time this definitely works, and at other times it seems a little off with the individual in question, not having the confidence or conviction of the liabilities or assets described by the chart. This puzzled and perplexed me as I always was taught to integrate the aspects and signs before coming to a conclusion, but by making this first observation, it should give us a clue to build on and to develop the whole picture. In some charts the person did not seem to fulfill the promise it indicated, and why not? I could not understand why some of the traits where well developed as shown in the charts and not as well developed with others, although one could see the assets and liabilities subtlety being expressed through the individual, even if the person could not see it. What caused this I wondered? The more I analyzed the chart, the more perplexed I became, and until I began to look at Mercury and the conditions it is in. Going back and applying the essential dignities and reapplying the old traditional methods I began to see a pattern emerge which really surprised me.

The condition Mercury is in, seem to determine how well we understand and adapt ourselves to situations that constantly challenge us into new directions and growth. I had to remind myself that Mercury is a neutral planet that assimilates the qualities of the planets surrounding it, representing the rational mind, thinking, communications, verbalization, education, besides travel and transportation. In some signs and zodiacal houses, it rules and has its exaltation and joy in. According to bounds, it has certain degrees in each sign that it would be safe in and is allow to be it self, even if the sign is not conducive for the planet to operate at its full potential. Mercury is essential to communication and if it is in a sign which is not conducive to conversing to others, is it not possible that we are not able to communicate our self worth, abilities and liabilities to our own being for further understanding of who we really are? This made sense to me, and when I began to apply it to myself and friends, it was mind blowing. This explains why people with similar aspects, but in different degrees of the sign expressed their characters and personalities differently and were more or less successful in their own eyes, not necessarily fulfilling their potential in life.

This does not mean that Mercury indicates success in life, but it does indicate how well we absorb information and how well we disseminate this information to help our growth and success in whatever endeavors we choose. Our ability to communicate to others translates to how well we communicate and understand ourselves to be able to work around our liabilities and to use our assets to our advantage for happiness in this life. It is not important, the state Mercury is in our chart, what is important is to understand how to use our Mercury in whatever state it is in, to achieve our highest potential. Knowing what Mercury lacks is being forewarned, and as I have always been adamant about, that being forewarn is being forearm for any situation, one encounters. Success is to understand who you really are, and working with who you are to your best ability, brings joy and contentment. To reiterate, the lights in your chart and your ascendant describes you, but the state Mercury is in defines who you are and allows one to use its energy to achieve happiness, and joy.

As an ardent student of the astrological arts in all its forms, I am very grateful and thankful to the Universe for my eternal curiosity and my ability to be open minded to all thoughts and ideas. This I am confident to be attributed to my Mercury conjunct Uranus in Gemini in the ninth house trine Jupiter in Cancer on the cusp of the eleventh. As for all beginning students, one needs to memorize certain symbols, thoughts and aphorisms which are the foundation of any subject to be mastered. This is definitely true with astrology and one subject matter to have under your belt is the essential dignities which include the Domicile, Joys, Trigons (Triplicities and its ruler) and Bounds, also known as Terms. Memorization is not one of my strong points, and the Bounds gave me trouble as they are irregular in length and different in each sign and they only utilize the five traditional planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, leaving out the Sun and the Moon. My problem with the word Bounds, is that I didn’t understand the meaning in terms of how the planets reacted with their sign, and if a planet was weak and detrimental in a sign, how could it function normally within a limited space in the sign? For years I avoided the subject matter as I could not find any explanation of how to use the Bounds that satisfied my ability to understand how it works.

I ran across two articles written by Douglas Noblehorse on the subject matter which was well written and gave examples by comparing and synthesizing the inter-relationships of any astrological point or planet in charts of couples with the possible fundamental connect or disconnect that would contribute to the harmony or disharmony of the relationship. I still was not able to work with it, as I was still confused on the role of the planet and the role of the sign. It was not until I read a discussion on the role of the signs and planets in one of my astrological egroups I belong to, that the light bulb came on. Unfortunately I was half paying attention, and the information was stored away in my subconscious, until one day it pop out and I am not sure if I got it right or was I confused by my active imagination. The jest of the matter I think was that the planets don’t choose the sign, but the sign which represents a constellation in the heavens grants sanctuary and freedom to the planet as it travels through the night sky. This really made sense to me, as in my mind the planets were visitors or refugees and the signs were countries that gave the planets safe haven and a place of there own, to be who they were as long as they were in their allotted and limited space (bounds). Wow was the only word I could voice as my thoughts race to see how I could put this idea to work and come up with a delineation of my own chart which would make common sense.

I decided to start with the ascendant, Moon and the Sun which would describe who I am and if it worked out as I was hoping, then try to describe what the other planets and angles have to say. Using the Bounds according to the Egyptians, the Gemini ascendant (with Mercury as its ruler) falling within the Mar’s bound, made real sense to me, in the energy and accomplishment I place on things I believe in. It describes me to others, as my actions speak louder then my words. The Moon conjunct Venus in Gemini in the tenth house (with Mercury as its ruler) falling within Saturn’s bound which describes the structure, limitation, restriction, responsibility and organization I apply to my emotions, career and vocational objectives. The Sun in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Cancer on the cusp of the eleventh house falling within the bounds of Jupiter convinced me this system really and truly gives a subtle insight that makes a difference in the delineation of a chart from being good to great. This explains why I always want to see the good and positive side to everything and where I look for ways in which to turn a disruptive and destructive situation into something less malefic. This method allows us to explain why apparently some people with signs that should really be compatible, but because of the difference in the degrees and the signs, falls under different planets. causing some tension and difference to an otherwise well-matched situation. The bounds are used in Horary and I am sure it can be applied to transits, solar and lunar returns, and the directions. I have applied the Bounds in delineating my friends’ charts, and have come up with new insights in giving a more subtle and clearer interpretation of the nature of their being and their future. Try it and see what you think and let us all know how it works for you, and if it gives you new insights in interpreting charts?